Digital Trends

Sony VAIO PCG-Z1AP1 May 11th, 2003 | by Ian Bell

Setup and Use Continued...

We had no trouble getting the PCG-Z1AP1 setup on our network and all of the included software worked without any hitches. The integrated wireless 802.11b networking worked great and the range was better than most laptops with an integrated antennae. We were able to push 300 FT through several house walls and still get a connection. The 8X DVD/CDRW drive burned our media without any problems and while we would have liked to have seen a commercial CD writing software program installed such as Nero or Easy CD-Creator, Microsoft's and Sony's CD writing software worked fine.

The keyboard layout on the PCG-Z1AP1 is a little different than what we are used to. For one, the right shift key is half the size of other laptops. It takes a little finger training to recognize its position. The touchpad is also smaller than most laptops on the market but works fine nonetheless and is relative to the PCG-Z1AP1's compact size. The look of the touch pad and the mouse buttons below it are reminiscent of the Apple PowerBook line. Key travel is short and precise and we encountered no problems with the keys falling off or not working. The keyboard feels very firm, great for those that type fast.

Battery life on the PCG-Z1AP1 is nothing short of phenomenal and really shows off the Centrino's abilities. In our Mobile Mark 2002 battery tests we were able to squeeze out 184 minutes (about 3 hours) of battery life before the system died. We expected the battery of the PCG-Z1AP1 to be smaller due to the system's compact size, but closer inspection showed us that the PCG-Z1AP1 comes with a power packed 4400 mAh battery pack. Click on the Performance tab above and below this review to see how the PCG-Z1AP1 compares to other comparable systems.

The Sony PCG-Z1 series starts at $2099.99 and comes in several configurations. With the PCG-Z1 being completely decked out, expect to pay somewhere around $3999.99 for a system with an Intel 1.6 GHz Centrino CPU, 1 GB of memory and a dual powercell battery.

Conclusion

The Sony VAIO PCG-Z1AP1 notebook is what the Centrino CPU and concept is all about. The system is incredibly quiet, puts out almost no heat and is extremely portable and long lasting. While the graphics adapter is fairly weak, we would gladly trade gaming performance for a system that is more compact with a longer battery life. The Sony VAIO PCG-Z1AP1 is a great system for those that are looking for a Centrino system with a little style. The price is relatively high at $2400 so the PCG-Z1AP1 may cater to a less money conscious audience. Those that are saving their hard earned money for a system with both features and style will finally be rewarded with the Sony VAIO PCG-Z1AP1.